Betty White's agent is dispelling rumors surrounding the late TV icon's passing. Jeff Witjas, who was also a close friend of White, has clarified that she did not receive a booster shot on Dec. 28, contrary to false claims circulating on social media. Some users wrongly attributed a quote to White, saying, "Eat healthy and get all your vaccines. I just got boosted today." In a statement released on Monday, Witjas clarified, "Betty died peacefully in her sleep at her home. People are speculating that her death was related to a booster shot she received three days earlier, but that is false. She passed away of natural causes.

It is important not to politicize her death, as that was not the way she lived her life." Moreover, Witjas asserted, "She never made such comments about the booster. Betty died naturally, and she did not receive the booster three days before her death."

Witjas shared his grief and memories of the beloved actress, noting, "Even though Betty was about to reach 100, I believed she would live forever. Her loss is deeply felt, not just by me, but also by the animal world that she cherished. Betty never feared death because she always longed to be reunited with her beloved husband, Allen Ludden. She embraced the belief that they would be together again.

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Betty White, who was on the brink of celebrating her 100th birthday on Jan. 17, had recently expressed her gratitude for her good health at her age. In a conversation with PEOPLE, she shared, "I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have such good health and feel this great at my age. It's truly remarkable."

During a 2012 TimesTalks interview with New York Times columnist Frank Bruni, White disclosed that she harbored no fear or dread of death. She attributed her mother's perspective for shaping her outlook and spoke about the mystery of what lies beyond.

White quoted her mother, saying, "'It's the one secret that we don't know.' So whenever we lost someone dear to us, she would reassure us by saying, 'Well, now he knows the secret.' It somehow alleviated the fear."

Witjas concluded his heartfelt tribute to White by acknowledging the immense love she received from fans in her final days. He assured readers that he frequently reminded her of this overwhelming love. "Betty led a remarkable life, one of her choosing. She was content. Whenever I would tell her, 'Betty, you are adored,' she would look at me with a mischievous smile and question, 'Really?' I hope she knew. I believe she did. It was a love beyond words."